Scoop City: Analyzing Russell Wilson and Jason Kelce’s Departure
In a shocking turn of events, Broncos GM George Paton made a deal for Russell Wilson that has left Browns fans hoping it will go down as the worst quarterback trade in NFL history. The Broncos gave up a massive haul to acquire Wilson, hoping to unleash his potential and let him “cook” on the field. However, things did not go as planned.
During his time in Seattle, “Let Russ cook” became a popular sentiment among fans who believed that then-head coach Pete Carroll’s run-heavy schemes were holding back Wilson. Wilson even trademarked the phrase, showing his alignment with the idea of being given more freedom on the field. His talent and potential were recognized when he ranked second on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2020.
Enter the Broncos, who traded for Wilson in an attempt to let him showcase his skills. Unfortunately, the trade did not work out in their favor. The Broncos gave up a massive haul for Wilson, including a fourth-round pick in 2022 named Eyioma Uwazurike who was later suspended indefinitely for gambling violations. Financially speaking, it’s Wilson who came out as the winner. Denver signed him to a five-year, $245 million contract extension in 2022 with $165 million guaranteed. However, the Broncos now face an NFL-record $85 million dead-money cap hit after Wilson’s upcoming release on March 13.
Looking at the numbers, Wilson’s deal cost Denver $124 million for just two years and 11 wins. This equates to roughly $11.2 million per win, which is considered one of the worst contracts in NFL history. For comparison, wide receiver Kenny Golladay received $40 million for just one touchdown catch with the Giants.
With Wilson’s departure looming, the Broncos are left wondering what’s next for their quarterback position. Broncos reporter Nick Kosmider suggests that the top four QB prospects are unlikely to fall to the Broncos’ No. 12 draft pick. As a result, it is expected that Denver will sign a veteran quarterback to provide competition for Jarrett Stidham, who is likely to start in Week 1.
The best outcome for the Broncos would be to move up in the draft without giving up more than one future first-round pick. This would allow them to select either Jayden Daniels at No. 7 or J.J. McCarthy at No. 9. However, the worst-case scenario would be making another big trade that doesn’t work out, leaving the team in an eight-year playoff drought with no end in sight.
On the other hand, Jason Kelce’s retirement marks the end of an era in Philadelphia. After 13 seasons as the Eagles’ center, Kelce delivered an emotional retirement speech that showcased his impact on the team and the city. As a sixth-round pick in 2011, Kelce overcame the odds to become a six-time All-Pro and a key player in the franchise’s only Super Bowl win. His name sits atop the Eagles’ record list for most consecutive starts (156) and most regular-season games played by an offensive lineman (193).
While Kelce is irreplaceable, the Eagles will try to fill his void. Cam Jurgens, who was drafted in the second round in 2022 as Kelce’s potential successor, could slide from guard to center. The team will also search for another interior lineman to strengthen their offensive line.
Looking ahead, if Kelce decides to return to football, he could find landing spots at NBC, CBS, or ESPN. In the meantime, he plans to spend time building his farm and raising his three daughters. There may even be a few more shirtless nights for Kelce, especially with WrestleMania taking place in Philly next month.
In other NFL news, the franchise tag deadline is approaching, and players like Colts WR Michael Pittman and Jaguars LB Josh Allen are expected to be tagged. Dane Brugler’s latest mock draft includes several notable trades and draft picks, including the Falcons moving up to No. 3 and the Vikings drafting a QB. Cowboys QB Dak Prescott is confident in his future in Dallas and expects a contract extension. Bengals RB Joe Mixon’s time in Cincinnati could be coming to an end, as he averaged four yards per carry in 2023. Dolphins DT Christian Wilkins will hit the free agent market after coming off his best season with nine sacks and 23 quarterback hits.
In conclusion, the departures of Russell Wilson and Jason Kelce have left their respective teams with uncertain futures. The Broncos will have to navigate the aftermath of Wilson’s massive contract and search for a new starting quarterback, while the Eagles will look to fill the void left by Kelce’s retirement. Both teams face challenges ahead as they strive to find success in a highly competitive NFL landscape.